I Choose to Love Me

Under the dazzling fireworks, Morgan stooped down to tie my shoelaces. He also smoothed my hair and fussed over me.

I felt bitter and in turmoil. I honestly couldn't figure out how he could put on an affectionate act so convincingly that I couldn't tell what was real anymore.

Just as he leaned in to kiss me, Evelyn walked over carrying a mango cake that would trigger my allergies. "Jasmine, I noticed that you didn't eat much at dinner, so I brought you cake. Come on, dig in!"

I caught the mango scent immediately and refused. "I'm allergic to mango. I can't eat it."

The moment I rejected her, she started tearing up. "Are you still upset with me, Jasmine?"

Morgan couldn't bear seeing her tears and tried to persuade me. "Evelyn means well, Jazz. Just eat it."

My heart turned to ice at his words. He knew she was bullying me, yet he was taking her side.

My nose stung. I wanted to refuse again, but Evelyn forced the cake into my mouth. The instant the cake touched my tongue, my breathing hitched.

I was about to call for help when she suddenly crumpled to the floor and accused me dramatically, "I just wanted to be nice to you, Jasmine. Why would you reject me?"

I shook my head to deny it, but Morgan pushed me aside in disappointment. He scooped Evelyn into his arms and carried her off. I caught the shape of her lips as she mouthed, "You're trash. You'll never beat me."

I collapsed on the ground, convulsing as I forced myself to throw up until I could finally breathe again. The fireworks were still bursting overhead, but all I felt was irony and heartbreak.

I didn't want the love Morgan had thrown my way like it was charity anymore. Just two more days and I could leave. I was so close.

…

The next morning, after Morgan left for work, I was rudely awakened by Evelyn slapping me.

She gripped my throat tightly. I thrashed, but it was in vain. She only loosened her hold on me when I was on the brink of suffocating.

"You know Morgan loves me, so why did you act so flirty with him yesterday? How pathetic can you be, Jasmine? He doesn't love you! He loves me! Get this straight—he's only thrown you a few scraps of affection because of me. You should be happy with that!" she screeched.

I touched my bruised neck, saying nothing as my tears flowed uncontrollably. I listened as Evelyn listed the ways Morgan loved her. It was only then that I realized he'd been giving me what she had rejected.

The million-dollar necklaces were cheap pieces she'd turned her nose up at, the designer gowns were in styles she didn't like, and every one of our intimate moments was just him venting on me after she'd refused him.

The more I heard, the more hollowed out I became. Yet Evelyn didn't stop rubbing salt into my wounds.

"I'll be frank with you. Your precious Morgan isn't the only one who loves me. Your parents do, too! They said that they'll give me your family's fortune once I'm fully recovered. Then, I'll marry Morgan in grand style!"

That was the last straw. I finally snapped and lunged at her without thinking. "You know exactly whether everything you've gotten was because of you or because of me!"

Evelyn didn't flinch. Instead, she became more brazen as she sneered and asked, "How do you think Morgan will destroy you when he finds out you hit the woman he loves?"

I didn't stop. I went at her like a madwoman, clawing and striking with everything I had.

"Stop this! Are you out of your mind?" Morgan's roar tore through the room. I turned and met his cold, vicious glare.

Evelyn rushed to twist the truth. "Morgan, I was worried because Jasmine wouldn't get out of bed. I was worried she might be sick, but she started hitting me the second she saw me. I…"

He gathered her tenderly into his arms and shot me a look of pure disappointment. "I can't believe you're incapable of tolerating your own cousin, Jasmine! When did you become so jealous? I don't even recognize you anymore!"

Grief and rage washed over me, leaving me unable to speak. All I did was stare him down, staying stubborn to the end.